Ben Arthur was one of the best fast bowlers in the 1860s and 1870s when county cricket began in South Wales. After a series of excellent performances for the Llanelli club, he became a stalwart of the Carmarthenshire side between 1860 and 1866.
He was a fast round-arm bowler, who could also keep wicket if the necessity arose, and Ben’s prowess with the ball led to several professional engagements in exhibition matches for the Cadoxton club – the pre-eminent club side of the time in South Wales – including their matches against the United South of England in 1868 and against the MCC the following year. He was also hired by Swansea for their exhibition matches against the United All England XI in 1866, the United South of England in 1876, and the All England Eleven in 1877.
Arthur also regularly appeared for the Players of South Wales against the Gentlemen of the region in their annual fixtures between 1867 and 1874. He played for Carmarthenshire against Glamorgan in their inaugural home and away fixtures in 1863 before playing for Glamorganshire in their game against West Gloucestershire at Bristol in May 1870. He claimed a solitary wicket, that of GF Grace, and scored 16 and 0 as the West Gloucestershire club recorded an innings victory.
He was the landlord of “The Cricketers Inn” in Llanelly and was also the brother of William Arthur who also played for Carmarthenshire as well as appearing for the Players of South Wales in 1867.
ARTHUR, Benjamin
Born – Llanelly, June 1839.
Died – Llanelly, 21 October 1885.